It’s been a few months, but we’d like to welcome back the feature that’s storming the nation: One Song. This time around, we have Kenny Tompkins from indie-pop duo New God explaining what went into his band’s single “Summer Girl.” Take it away, Kenny:
After our first record came out, a lot of writers compared our sound to the Beach Boys and me to Brian Wilson. I thought it was interesting because I love the Beach Boys but wasn’t really into them while I was working on the record and certainly didn’t intend to show that influence. I wondered what it would be like if I did just go for it and make a song with the Beach Boys as my guiding light. “Summer Girl” came from that thought. I especially tried to include little bits of melancholy and ennui because that is my favorite thing about Brian Wilson songs. That is why the chorus says, “It don’t mean anything.” It also continues a trend where I use intentionally use incorrect grammar as a nod to my redneck upbringing. Look for it in other New God songs.
So, there you have it. The Beach Boys. Brian Wilson. And awesomeness. Dig what you hear? You can catch New God – along with Philly group Seagulls – at Cafe Nola on Saturday night. The festivities will kick off around 10 p.m., so don’t be square, friends. Be there.
